The ten-month ban for Italy’s national soccer player Sandro Tonali has been confirmed by FIFA.
The world association approved the corresponding request from the Italian association FIGC on Friday to extend the ban to all international competitions. The midfielder from Newcastle United in the English Premier League who is involved in a betting scandal must begin his ban immediately.
Tonali’s coach Eddie Howe had hoped to be able to use the new signing in the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
On Wednesday, the 23-year-old came on as a substitute in the second half of the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund (0-1). It was his last game for the time being.
The FIGC officially announced the ban on Thursday. Tonali will therefore no longer be able to play this season. He will also miss the European Championships in Germany if defending champions Italy qualify. Tonali must also undergo at least six months of therapy to combat his gambling addiction. He will also have to take part in 16 lectures on the subject of gambling addiction.
If Tonali, who has confessed, does not fulfill these obligations, he will face a ban of over three years. Tonali, who joined the Magpies from AC Milan for €64 million before the season, has admitted his gambling addiction. He is said to have bet on games from his former clubs.
Last week, Nicolo Fagioli from Juventus Turin was banned for six months because of his gambling addiction. Investigations are still ongoing against Nicolo Zaniolo (Aston Villa).